Rio Salado College is looking forward to taking part in this event! Be sure to stop by our information booth to learn about the latest trends and technologies that are improving our world with STEM Faculty Chair Rick Vaughn and Faculty Chair of Applied Technology Richard Cuprak.

And look for ourSPOT 127 youth media reporters, who will be covering the event.

Rio Salado CTE classes can help high school students learn new skills and get a jump start on college. CTE pathways include certificates or degrees in business, information and computer technology and engineering, depending on your high school’s program offering.

“While pay is ultimately one of the issues Arizona can fix to address the teacher shortage, ensuring that teachers in the classroom are highly-skilled and highly-qualified cannot be overlooked,” Audrain said.

At just 18 years old, Audrain is already an engaging public speaker, a passionate advocate for teachers, and on a fast track to making a difference in the education world thanks to Rio Salado College’s dual enrollment program.

“I saw that dual enrollment offered an associate degree in elementary education and I decided that I would pursue this degree before I graduated from high school,” Audrain said.

Audrain with Rio 2017 Dual Graduates

Dual enrollment allows high school students to get a head start on college by earning both high school and college credit for certain courses.

Audrain decided to pursue education after developing a love for teaching from his parents.

“My mom came to the United States from Thailand to pursue a master’s degree in education and my dad is a teacher now,” Audrain said. “From a young age, I saw the impact that teachers made on myself and others.”

“My three high school Latin teachers, Ms. Balcom, Ms. Haycock, and Ms. Crosson, also played a key role in helping me discover my path to teaching,” Audrain said.

Photo courtesy of Larissa Hageman

While taking dual enrollment classes, Audrain joined Rio Salado’s chapter of Educators Rising Arizona, a national organization for aspiring teachers and their mentors.

“Educators Rising is transforming how America develops aspiring teachers,” Audrain said. “They provide young people with hands-on teaching experience and help them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators.”

The organization holds national performance-based competitive events in which teens demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education.

Audrain has fared well in Educators Rising Arizona competitions:

9th in the nation for a presentation on education administration in 2015

1st in the nation for a TED-style talk on student voice in 2016

2nd in the nation for public speaking on the achievement gap in 2016

1st in the nation for both impromptu speaking and public speaking on recruiting more teachers of color in 2017

“Lennon brings an understanding of building relationships, that education must be equitable for every student,” Tobey said. “I believe that he will use his voice to continue to advocate for higher pay for classroom teachers, strengthen Career and Technical Education Programs, and promote dual-language programs to train future students.”

Audrain is currently serving as national student president of Educators Rising, a role that has allowed him the opportunity to participate in a variety of speaking engagements and networking events on a national scale.

Photo courtesy of Rachael Mann

In December, Audrain spoke to a group of 3,000 educators and aspiring teachers at the Association for Career and Technical Education’s (ACTE) annual Vision conference in Nashville.

“Some of the best experiences I have had as student president are the conversations and relationships I have built with the members across the nation,” Audrain said. “Hearing their stories--what makes them tick for teaching--is one of the perks of my job.”

Thanks to dual enrollment, Audrain graduated from Rio Salado College with two associate degrees in January 2017, five months before he graduated from high school!

Audrain with Rio President Bustamante

“As an institution, Rio Salado sets future educators up for success in and outside of the classroom,” Audrain said. “Dual enrollment let me get ahead in my degree, and validated that the classes in which I was enrolled were preparing me for college and future success.”

Audrain is currently enrolled at Arizona State University (ASU). He is pursuing a degree in International Letters and Cultures in Classics with a concentration on Classical Latin, and a secondary education certificate in history and Latin.

He is looking forward to the student teaching component of his bachelor’s degree requirements.

“The classroom experience is invigorating,” Audrain said. “Seeing learning in action--one of the most human things we do--and helping to facilitate this process is an experience that I not only enjoy, but actively attempt to understand and respond to each day.”

Photo courtesy of Sofia Taglienti

Audrain plans to graduate from ASU in the spring of 2019, at the age of 19. His future goals include earning a master’s degree in either counseling or education and ultimately a doctoral degree.

“I, of course, want to spend time in the classroom, but also go abroad and study other cultures,” Audrain said.

Whatever his future holds, Audrain hopes to make a positive impact on education.

“It is my hope that each child receives an education that is rigorous and relevant to their own needs and the needs of society,” Audrain said.

“I hope, too, that more will pursue the noble profession that is teaching and tackle it with the same dedication that doctors, lawyers, and other highly-esteemed professionals do within their crafts.”

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Here are some great photos of Rio Salado's Teacher Education team through the years. A big thanks to Rio Salado Director of Community Partnerships and Programs Educator Sylvia Riley for this contribution.

You can share your photos, stories and memories via email to RSCmemories@riosalado.edu or social media using the hashtag #RioSaladoCollege40th.

Check out other historical photos and facts on our 40th Anniversary website at www.riosalado.edu/40 and our Facebook photo album.

Pictured here are the graduates of Class #506 from the Phoenix Regional Police Academy (formerly the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy - ALEA).

Class #506 recently completed 700+ hours of training to become certified officers for the State of Arizona. Rio Salado College plays a role in the academic development of their training and has enjoyed a long-standing Educational Service Partnership with the Academy since 1990. In that time, thousands of recruits have graduated from the Academy to become police officers.

By completing this training, these officers will begin their law enforcement career with 39 college credits and a Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement Technology from Rio Salado College. Through the years, many officers have taken the extra step to attain an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Technology. Many law enforcement students have consolidated additional credits earned at Rio or elsewhere, which allowed them to complete their degree faster.

Rio Salado is proud of this partnership and its ability to provide police officers with the means to pursue higher learning and career advancement-- in a cost-effective, timely way. Although they only need a GED or High School Diploma to start as a police officer, the minimum education requirement to promote to Sergeant and earn substantially more money is 75 hours of college credit. The Rio Salado partnership with the law enforcement community has contributed to an officer’s ability to earn more money based on education, job performance and promotion.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Looking for a new career? February is Insurance Careers Month, a nationwide initiative led by insurance industry leaders to recruit, train and hire a new generation of insurance professionals to fill an estimated 400,000 jobs by 2020, which will become vacant as nearly 25 percent of the insurance industry’s workforce will begin retiring in 2018.

Rio Salado’s Associate in Applied Science and Certificate of Completion in Insurance Studies, which is the first of its kind in Arizona, was created in direct response to the insurance industry’s need to fill current job vacancies and projected employment shortfalls.

Rio Salado collaborated with Glendale and Mesa Community Colleges and 35 insurance professionals from 20 different insurance companies to develop the program, which is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level jobs in the growing insurance industry and enhance the skills of current insurance employees.

The program focuses on general knowledge of the insurance industry and touches on property and liability insurance, personal and commercial insurance.

Many people, especially students and young professionals may not readily see how their career goals are in sync with the insurance industry. MyPath, www.insuremypath.org, is a non-profit organization that provides free services to help career seekers choose a specialty that meets their personal and professional goals, details about various careers and the impact they will have on the world around them. It also includes details about scholarships, internships and other resources to help people transition into the industry.

The month of February is Black History Month or National African American History Month. It is an annual celebration honoring the achievements of black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

The Rio Salado Library is proud to honor Black History Month by highlighting targeted library and web resources that can help you learn more about the lives, contributions and legacies of African Americans.

Pictured here is sociologist, historian, civil rights activist and author W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963), who was also one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.

Celebrate Black History Month with the Maricopa Community Colleges ! Enjoy educational, cultural and entertainment events this February. For the latest listings, visit: events.maricopa.edu/event/black-history-month-2018News courtesy of the Rio Salado Library. Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois

There are several scholarships specifically for Rio Salado College students and employees, including the James P. Hornburg Memorial Scholarship for students majoring in Law Enforcement and Corrections degree programs at Rio Salado and the Dr. Linda M. Thor Scholarship, which is geared toward helping single moms. There are also scholarships just for veterans.

Do the Math!
The streamlined process, which only requires one general application, will make it well worth your time! Don't discount those small scholarships. The few hours you spend on a scholarship application will be a good investment. At the very least, you'll gain valuable practice in mastering the application process.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

This weeks’ 40th Anniversary Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1980-81.

Pictured here is Dr. Myrna Harrison, who was appointed as Rio Salado’s President in 1980. Harrison, who was featured in a 1981 Phoenix Magazine article said "Our whole emphasis is to work with the communities, the city managers and the city councils to develop interest in education." She also said "Companies believe the better educated the employee, the better the employee."

Here’s a look at other historical recognitions and achievements about the college and a couple of pop culture factoids from 1980-81.

1980

RSC establishes the first telephone registration system in Arizona and the first mail registration and information processing center in the MCCCD

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Join the City of Tempe for Geeks Night Out, March 1, at the Tempe Community Complex. It's the ultimate, family-friendly gathering for people who love exploring the wonders of science, technology and innovation!

Rick Vaughn shows 3D printer in action

Rio Salado is proud to serve as a partner in this annual Arizona SciTech Festival. Be sure to stop by our booth and join STEM Faculty Chair Rick Vaughn and Faculty Chair of Applied Technology Richard Cuprak to learn about the latest trends and technologies that are improving our world.

Rio Salado's Mobile Apps Programming Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to provide information and training on the programming aspect of technology, to help you develop the skills needed to work in the programming field, including mobile applications programming.

Students must complete a graduation application and pay a $25 commencement fee to cover the cost of cap and gown. Learn more about the ceremony and submit your graduation application online by visiting this web page.

Rio President Bustamante with 2017 Dual Enrollment Graduates

Commencement is a time to celebrate your educational accomplishments and the journey you took to reach your goals. Share this amazing achievement with your family and friends by participating in Rio Salado’s annual commencement ceremony in May. - Dr. Bustamante

Thursday, February 1, 2018

This weeks’ 40th Anniversary Throwback Thursday begins with a look at 1978-79.

Pictured here is Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Paul Elsner, who was instrumental in the creation of Rio Salado College (RSC) in 1978. He understood the potential that this innovative institution would have.

Here’s a look at other historical recognitions and achievements about the college and a couple of pop culture factoids from 1978-79.

1978
• Rio Salado College is established by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), becoming one of seven “colleges without walls” in the nation
• Walter Morrison named Provost
• RSC creates the first distance learning program in the MCCCD
• Nearly 8,000 credit students register for fall, utilizing 78 classroom locations across Maricopa County
• RSC acquires KJZZ (originally known as KMCR), a regional National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate offering news and jazz
• Serves nearly 750 Adult Basic Education students

RSC First President Walter Morrison on left with RSC Executives in 1978

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.